Kearney, Neb. - The 44th-ranked NW Missouri State women's tennis team beat Nebraska-Kearney, 7-2, Monday afternoon in Maryville, Mo.

UNK, which is ranked fourth in the Central Region, falls to 3-5 while NW improves to 4-2. Earlier this month, the Lopers lost to No. 34 Washburn.

At No.1 doubles, seniors Katie-Mary Outhwaite (W. Australia) and Kristen Messbarger (Kearney Catholic H.S.) improved to 6-0 this spring with an 8-5 win over Emily Hoffman and Erika Leston.

In the second spot, Northwest rallied for an 8-5 win at No. 2 doubles and also won in the third position to take a 2-1 lead.

Outhwaite picked up UNK's only singles win with a tight 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 decision against Lisa Pendrak. '

During the rest of Spring Break, the team will face Truman State, Missouri-St. Louis and Division II newcomers Maryville (Mo.) and Illinois-Springfield.